Assignment Task:
We will be studying "the most significant psychologist of the twentieth century:" The person-centered therapy of Carl Rogers. The foundational principles he developed expound on the creation of a strong healing relationship with a client. These principles have become germane to most of the therapies we will be studying. We will explore the primary dynamic aspect of his theory that explains the nature of this healing relationship.
We will also begin our look at behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy is an umbrella term for types of therapy that treat mental health disorders from a behavioral and cognitive perspective. It's based on the idea that all behaviors are learned and that behaviors can be changed. This form of therapy looks to identify and help change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors.
Discussion: The PCT Interaction
- Essay: Behavioral Thoughts
- Essay: Self-Management Program
Week Objectives:
After successful completion of this week's module, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the philosophy and basic assumptions underlying Person-Centered and Behavioral Therapies.
2. Define and describe the key concepts in Person-Centered and Behavioral Therapies, and how they are incorporated into the therapeutic process.
3. Analyze the strengths and the shortcoming of both Person-Centered and Behavioral Therapies as applied to diverse populations.
4. Describe and infer contemporary trends in Person-Centered Therapy.
5. Describe and infer contemporary trends in Behavioral Therapy.
6. Compare and contrast the role of the counselor when utilizing Behavioral and Person-Centered Therapies.
7. Develop self-awareness of how theoretical models correspond with personal values and views on change.
Required Readings & Resources:
- Corey, G. (2024). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (11th ed.).
- Chapter 7: "Person-Centered Therapy"
- Chapter 9: "Behavior Therapy"
- Theories of Counseling - Person-Centered Therapy
- Theories of Counseling - Behavior Therapy
Gwen Therapy Videos:
- Chapter 7: Person-Centered Therapy
- Chapter 9: Behavior Therapy
Part A: Discussion: The PCT Interaction
Review the Discussion Requirements for this course before responding to the prompt below.
Watch the following videos and discuss the prompts:
- Theories of Counseling - Person-Centered Therapy
- Chapter 7: Person-Centered Therapy
Person-centered therapy operates on the humanistic belief that the client is inherently driven toward and has the capacity for growth and self-actualization; it relies on this force for therapeutic change. The role of the counselor is to provide a nonjudgmental environment conducive to honest self-exploration. Consider the research that has shown the working alliance between client and therapist is key to the success of therapy.
Prompts:
1. What sorts of person-centered attitudes and methods will you use as a therapist to help establish that alliance? How will you use them?
2. Explain why it is important to provide a genuine, nonjudgmental environment conducive to healing for the client. What does it provide? How does it provide it? Need Assignment Help?
3. After watching the video of Gwen, discuss the following:
- Describe the therapist's nonverbal language and how it connects to person-centered therapy.
- In what ways is the therapist letting the client guide the therapeutic process?
Provide at least two article resources (other than the videos) to support your thought process and comments. Citations and the reflection must be formatted according to the APA guidelines.
Note: This is a post-first discussion; therefore, you will not be able to view others' posts until you have first submitted your initial response.
Part B: Behavioral therapy is an umbrella term for types of therapy that treat mental health disorders from a behavioral and cognitive perspective. It's based on the idea that all behaviors are learned and that behaviors can be changed. This form of therapy looks to identify and help change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors.
Watch the following videos before writing your essay:
- Theories of Counseling - Behavior Therapy
- Chapter 9: Behavior Therapy
Write an essay with a minimum of 600 words. The essay is split into 2 parts containing a minimum of 300 words per part. Use the headings below to delineate your writing content.
Part I: Behavioral
Address the following in this section:
- Why is personality a vital component in understanding behavior?
- How would you explain to someone who does not understand behavioral therapy what the therapy is and does?
- In your opinion, what are 3 critical elements of behavior therapy? Explain your reasoning/thought process?
Part II: Gwen Video
Consider what Gwen reports about feeling judged by her boss and the stress she experiences as a result. Address the following in this section:
- How might you introduce the ideas of mindfulness and acceptance to her, and how would they be applied to address the issues she raises?
- What do you notice about this therapist's style?
- How would you define the problem Gwen is describing from the behavioristic perspective?
- What resources would you use from this theoretical approach to work best with Gwen's problem?
Provide at least two article resources (other than the videos) to support your thought process and comments. Citations and the reflection must be formatted according to the APA guidelines.
Part C: Self-management strategies include self-monitoring, self-reward, self-contracting, and stimulus control. Select some behaviors you might like to change: stopping excessive eating, drinking, or smoking; teaching yourself relaxation skills in the face of tense situations you must encounter; developing a regular program of physical exercising or meditating and so forth. Write an essay with a minimum of 500 words to show how you would design, implement, and evaluate your self-change program.
Ideally, you will consider actually trying out such a program for some behavior changes you want to make in your everyday life.
- What specific behavior or behaviors do you want to change?
- What specific actions will help you reach this goal?
- What self-monitoring devices can you use to keep a record of your progress?
- What reinforcements (Self-rewards) can you use as a way of carrying out your plan?
- How well is your plan for change working? What revisions are necessary for your plan to work more effectively?
Provide at least two article resources (other than the videos) to support your thought process and comments. Citations and the reflection must be formatted according to the APA guidelines.